Lovage is a herb with deeply divided dark green leaves – it looks & tastes like celery. It is mainly the leaves & seeds of Lovage that are used but the root can be eaten too like a vegetable too. It can be used as a substitute for parsley or celery in recipes but as it has a stronger flavour it is best to use in smaller quantities.
Lovage is a bushy perennial that grows up to 1.5 m tall. It is best to use the leaves when young - snip stems at about 40cm as older/longer leaves can taste bitter. Some stems can be left and they will produce flat tiny clusters of green-yellow flowers followed by brown seeds – use these seeds like celery seed.
It does die back in winter but will regrow the following spring. Sometimes a layer of mulch will help it get through particulary cold winters.
A very useful herb in stews, soups and stocks and goes well with chicken & pork.
